VW ID 3 GTX Performance is 322bhp electric hot hatch for £46k

New variant of forthcoming hot ID 3 is EV equivalent of Golf GTI Clubsport, with more torque than Golf R

The Volkswagen ID 3 GTX Performance will go on sale on 29 August as the electric alternative to the Golf GTI Clubsport, offering 322bhp for £46,225.

That power means the range-topping hot hatch can sprint from 0-62mph in just 5.7sec, making it Volkswagen's quickest-accelerating EV to date. 

It's priced just above the technically identical £44,570 Cupra Born VZ, meaning it holds a near-£10,000 premium over the 429bhp MG 4 EV XPower (£36,495).

The ID 3 GTX Performance is the first electric hot hatch to arrive from Volkswagen. It will be joined by the less powerful (282bhp) ID 3 GTX later this year.

Both use the same APP550 electric motor on the rear axle as the standard 201bhp ID 3 but in a much higher state of tune.

Several chassis and suspension tweaks have been made to give the GTX a more dynamic character than regular ID 3s.

In the GTX Performance, this amounts to retuned steering for “greater precision”, sports suspension and a new Dynamic Chassis Control system, like in the Golf GTI.

A 79kWh (usable) battery replaces the standard car’s 77kWh pack for an official range of up to 369 miles.

DC charging peaks at 185kW to give a 10-80% charge in 26 minutes.

The GTX Performance gets a subtly sportier look, with a new model-specific front bumper design, together with new ‘arrowhead’ LED daytime running lights, black gloss trim and a rear diffuser.

The wheels are 20in in diameter as standard and sports seats are fitted. 

“The ID 3 GTX Performance is for me the electric counterpart to the Golf GTI Clubsport,” said Kai Grünitz, Volkswagen's technical development boss.

“Of course, an electric drive and a turbocharged petrol engine each have their own unique character. Yet the ID 3 GTX Performance and the Golf GTI Clubsport share the same fascinating lightness when they accelerate.

“Volkswagen is transferring the almost 50-year tradition of its compact GT models into the world of electric mobility. Driving pleasure is guaranteed.”

The ID 3 follows the ID 4 SUV, ID 5 SUV, ID Buzz MPV, ID 7 saloon and ID 7 Tourer estate in getting a GTX makeover.